4th June 2002

---

Adams calls for intervention to end East Belfast violence

Speaking at a press conference today Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams MP has called for an intervention across Civic Society to bring an end to the violence in East Belfast. Mr. Adams said:

``I would like to express my deep concern at what is happening in East Belfast, particularly in what is termed the `interface area' in the Short Strand on both sides have suffered and are living in intolerable conditions. This must stop.

``We can speculate about what or who started this. We can speculate about agendas within unionism, loyalism within the securocrats or even within the British establishment. Whatever the agenda the violence still must stop.

``I have spoken today to British Secretary of State John Reid, to PUP leader David Ervine, the Taoiseach's Department, Joe O'Donnell and other councillors. I have asked for a meeting with David Ervine and I will be speaking to the Taoiseach about this matter.

``We want to facilitate dialogue. We believe that there must be an intervention across civic society. This means church leaders, community leaders, trade unionists and politicians not sitting back and being spectators but working to bring an end to this.

``Whoever is involved, including the British army and PSNI must take a step back. The only agenda being served is that of those who want to move back to the past. This is not the republican agenda.''

---

Sinn Fein Press Office, 44 Parnell Square, Dublin 1
Tel: +353-1-8726100 and +353-1-8726839   ·   Fax +353-1-8733074
E-mail: sinnfein@irlnet.com   ·   Website: http://www.sinnfein.org

---

Sinn Fein   ·   Sinn Fein Documents

---